Automatic packaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for collating containers suitable for holding any quantity of a product packed in containers with heat sealed lids on flanged containers. The apparatus uses means for causing the vertical and lateral overlapping of the containers&#39;&#39; flanges; said means comprising a plurality of suitably disposed guide rails and guide bars. The apparatus is both automatic and efficient.

[ 51 Sept. 12, 1972 United States Patent Goodman Primary Examiner-Richard E. Aegerter Attorney-Irving Faber AUTOMATIC PACKAGING APPARATUS [72] Inventor:

James A. Goodman 9347 Springfield Ave., Evanston, lll. 60018 ABSTRACT Nov 27'1970 An apparatus for collating containers suitable for [22] Filed:

holding any quantity of a product packed in con- Appl. No 93,296

tainers with heat sealed lids on flanged containers. The apparatus uses means for causing the vertical and lateral overlapping of the containers flanges; said means comprising a plurality of suitably disposed guide rails and guide bars. The apparatus is both automatic and efficient.

511 Int. Cl. .B65g 17/00, 865g 15/00 58 Field of Search............l98/30, 34; 214/65 6 F; 206/65 R; 53/48 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 18 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 2,986,857 6/1961 Ganz PATENTEDSEP 12 I972 SHEET 1 BF 3 v Inventor BY JAMES A. GOODMAN m OE ATTY.

AUTOMATIC PACKAGING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to a new and useful apparatus for collating containers having a perimetal rim.

Containers of such type are well known to us in our everyday life. Examples of such containers are the jelly containers which are served with toast in restaurants and the containers of different types of nuts served by the airlines as a snack, also cold luncheon meats and desserts. These containers generally have an overlapping flange or rim to support a cover thereon; the sides of the container generally being sloped toward the bottom of the container.

The existing methods for packaging the containers having extending perimetal flanges or rims about the top thereof are both expensive and inefficient. Generally, manual labor is used to accomplish the packaging of the containers into suitable boxes. Manual labor is time consuming and expensive and can result in a stoppage of production if there should be a strike. Also, a box larger than necessary is required when the containers are not packaged where the rims overlap. These larger boxes are expensive and reduce profit. To my knowledge there is no apparatus that automatically packages containers having perimetal rims where the rim of adjacent containers overlap.

The automatic packaging apparatus which I have invented collates containers having perimetal rims whereby the rims of adjacent containers will overlap. The result is an efficient and inexpensive method for collating containers having a perimetal rim or flange, without the inherent problems associated with manual labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The apparatus embodied by this invention is a new and novel device for collating containers efficiently and inexpensively. The apparatus has means for overlapping the rims of containers both laterally and vertically, conveying a prearranged configuration of containers to a packing box.

The apparatus which I have invented eliminates the necessity of using larger boxes to accomodate the containers than is necessary and also eliminates the need of manual labor to fill said containers. The apparatus utilizes a unique distribution of guides and/or rails which first cause the rims of the container to overlap vertically and then to overlap horizontally, or laterally, as the containers are continuously moved toward the packaging box.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an apparatus which will automatically overlap the rims of containers vertically and laterally subsequent to filling the containers and prior to the packaging .of them.

Another feature of this invention is to form a configuration of containers having overlapping rims using a minimum spacial arrangement.

Still another feature is to provide an inexpensive, automatic apparatus for collating containers.

The foregoing and other significant features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing disclosure in which a preferred embodiment is described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the subject invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus embodied by this invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus embodied by this invention taken generally along lines 3 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container for use by the apparatus embodied by this invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a group of containers laterally and vertically collated.

FIG. 6 illustrates lateral stacking of the containers taken along line 6 6 of FIG. 2 and in the general direction indicated.

FIG. 7 illustrates lateral stacking of the containers taken along line 7 7 if FIG. 2.and in the general direction indicated.

FIG. 8 illustrates lateral stacking of the containers taken along line 8 8 of FIG. 2 and in the general direction indicated.

FIG. 9 illustrates the travel path of the push-fingers.

FIG. 10 illustrates the vertical stacking of the containers after vertical and lateral collation.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1 the apparatus for collating containers 10 is indicated generally by the reference character 12. The apparatus 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is suitable for collating three laterally disposed containers; however, it should be understood that any number of containers can be laterally collated by adding or subtracting collating means 13; said collating means being described hereinafter.

The apparatus 12 is comprised of a frame 14 having side panels 16 and 16' ra bottom panel 18; an end panel 20 and an open end 22.

The open end 22 of the apparatus 12 abuts an automatic filling and container sealing device, not shown, which automatically fills, then seals the containers 10. The bottom panel 18 is comprised of an upper section 23 having opposite ends 23a and 23b, and a lower section 24 having opposite ends 24a and 24b. The upper section 23 is angularly disposed from the lower section 24, about axis x x. The position of the axis x x and the degree of the angular disposition of the upper section 23 is variable; however, the angle should be sufficient for the containers to traverse the upper section 23 by means of gravity. The upper section 23 has three rectangular openings 26, 26', 26" suitable for receiving therein container index stops 27, 27, 27" respectively. It is understood that these openings may be of other geometrical shapes, such as a square, a circle, etc., as long as it will receive a container index stop 27. The container index stops 27, 27', 27" are two position devices pivotal about shaft 28 and are coupled to the frame 14 by means well known in the art, and are suitable for receiving a container 10 one at a time. The first position is illustrated in FIG. 3 and is for receiving the container 10; the extension 27a of the index stop 27 is level with the upper section 23. The second position is for releasing the containers l0, and in that position extension 27b of the index stop 27 is level with the upper section 23; the extension 27a protrudes above section 23 inhibiting movement of containers l0. Receipt by index stops 27, 27", 27"' of a container is acknowledged by a micro-switch 29, 29', 29", respectively. When each index stop 27 27 27" has received a container 10, and said container is acknowledged by said micro-switches, the containers 10 held by said index stops are simultaneously released therefrom, the index stops returning to their original receiving position.

Index stop 27 is positioned between a pair of guide rails 30, 31; index stop 27 is positioned between guide rails 32, 33, and index stop 26" is positioned between guide rails 34, 35. The guide rails 30 through 35 extend between ends 23a and 23b of upper section 23 and are of a plastic composition; however, other suitable materials may be used. The distance between each pair of guide rails 30,31; 32, 33; and 34, 35 is such that the bottom of the container 10 is positioned therebetween while the upper part of the container is above said guide rails. The guide rails are affixed to upper section 23 of the apparatus 12 by suitable means well known in the art.

Opposite rectangular openings 26, 26', 26", and adjacent to lower section 24 are three slots 36, 36', 36" suitable for receiving pushing means 37 illustrated in FIG. 9, for pushing the containers 10 forward. Lower section 24 has slots 38, 38', 38" which abut slots 36, 36', 36" of the upper panel 23 forming a rectangular push finger openings 40, 40, 40" respectively as illustrated in FIG. 2. It is expressly understood that these openings may be of any suitable geometric configuration such as a square, trapezoidal, etc., for receiving push finger means 37. The containers 10, by means of gravity, pass from the index stops 27, 27', 27 over the pushfinger openings 40, 40', 40", said openings being positioned between the guide rails 30, 31; 32, 33; 34, 35; respectively and opposite rectangular openings 26, 26', 26" respectively. As the containers 10 traverse over the openings 40, 40', 40" they drop to lower section 24 which is below and abutting panel 23 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The container 10 is best illustrated in FIG. 4 having sides 42, a bottom 44', and a perimetal flange or rim 46 suitable for receiving a container cover 48. It is understood that the container 10 may have other geometrical configurations, such as rectangular, triangular, etc. Each container has a left tab 50 suitable for removing the container cover 48.

Vertical collation or overlapping occurs as each group of laterally disposed containers drops from the upper section 23 to the lower section 24; the rims 46 of the containers 10 being positioned over the rims 46 of the preceding containers. Each succeeding group of containers positions its leading rim or flange 46 over the preceding group of laterally disposed containers. The leading rim 46 is that which is leading in the direction of movement of the containers.

The collating means 13 are comprised of vertical overlapping and lateral overlapping means. The vertical overlapping means is the lower section 24 being disposed below and adjacent upper section 23. As discussed hereinabove, vertical overlapping occurs when the leading rim 46 of each group of laterally disposed containers l0 overlaps the preceding group of containers as it proceeds from upper panel 23 to lower section 24. Lateral overlapping occurs as the containers 10 traverse lower section or panel 24, as hereinafter described.

Positioned on panel 24 are a plurality of guide bars 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 and 57 toward the end 20. Movement is imparted to the containers 10 on panel 24 by pushfinger means 37, which are positioned within rectangular pushfinger openings 40, 40', and 40". Each pair of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; and 56, 57, are slightly more constricted at end 24a than at end 24b of section 24. A lateral overlapping guide rail 58 is positioned adjacent one of each pair of said pair of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; and 56, 57, and at an elevation slightly higher thereof. Lateral overlapping occurs as the containers 10 traverse lower section 24 between each pair of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; and 56, 57 over the lateral overlapping guide rail 58. The combination of the lateral overlapping guide rail 58 and the slightly restricted lateral distance between each of said pair of guide bars as the container 10 traverses toward end- 20 causes the side rims of adjacent containers 10 to overlap, as illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

The pushfinger means 37 are coupled to the lower section 24 by means well known in the art. The pushfinger means 37 has a finger 62 extending therefrom which when activated, as described hereinafter, will extend above section 24, within opening 40, engaging the container 10 and pushing it forward to a predetermined point where the finger 62 drops below section 24 and returns to where it started. The path of the pushfinger means within opening 40 being illustrated by the dashed lines in FIG. 9.

Each opening 40, 40', 40" has a pushfinger means 37. Also, each opening 40 has coupled thereto a microswitch 64 which is activated by the container 10 as it passes thereby. When each of the microswitches 64 for each opening 40, 40', 40" is activated, the pushfinger means 37 for each of said openings are simultaneously activated, pushing the containers l0 forward toward end panel 20.

The direction of overlap, or that which a container overlaps the other is determined by which one of each pair of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; and 56, 57 the lateral guide rail 58 is adjacent to. FIG. 2 illustrates said guide rail 58 adjacent guide bars 53, 55 and 57 so that the adjacent side rim 46 of a container 10 traversing between guide bars 56, 57 will overlap a container traversing between guide bars 54, 55 which will overlap a container l0 traversing between guide bars 52, 53.

In operation the containers are fed through an automatic filling and sealing process which is not illustrated. The filled containers, being three laterally disposed to one another, are conveyed by means well known in the art to the open end 22 of the apparatus 12. The three containers then proceed, by means of gravity, to the index stops 27, 27', 27" and when all three containers are within said index stops as determined by microswitches 29, 29, 29", they are shifted simultaneously by means well known in the art to the open position allowing each of the laterally disposed containers 10 to travel, by means of gravity, between guide rails, 30, 31; 32, 33; and 34, 35 positioned on upper section 23. Upon reaching section 24 the containers 10 drop thereon; said drop being the thickness of the section 23. It is understood that any difference in elevation of the upper section over the lower section, greater than the thickness of the rim, will accomplish vertical overlapping. The succeeding laterally disposed containers upon reaching the edge 23b of panel 23 overlap the rim of the preceding containers 10, now on lower section 24, thereby accomplishing vertical overlapping. The pushing means 37 positioned within rectangular pushfinger openings 40 movethe containers 10 onto panel 24, between the guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; 56, 57; simultaneously when activated by the microswitches 64, adjacent each pushfinger openings 40. The lateral overlapping guides 58 adjacent to one of each of the pair of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; 56, 57; angularly disposes each of the sides of adjacent containers relative to one another so that their adjacent rims overlap one another in the same direction.

As the containers l0 proceed from between the pairs of guide bars 52, 53; 54, 55; and 56, 57; they are in a compact configuration whereby the adjacent rims 46 of each of the containers l0 overlaps the other both laterally and vertically as illustrated in FIG. 5. A microswitch 70 as illustrated in FIG. 1 is used to automatically set the number of lateral containers, and therefore the configuration thereof for vertically stacking the containers. FIG. 10 illustrates the containers being vertically stacked. The microswitches 70 are coupled to the frame 14 by means well known in the art.

When there are two lateral rows of containers, the microswitches 70 activate means, not illustrated, which will move said container configuration to a vertical stacking platform 72. It is understood that any configuration of containers can be had by simply adjusting the setting of the microswitches 70 to the desired number of lateral rows to be placed on the vertical stacking platform 72.

When the vertical stacking platform reaches a predetermined height, the collated configuration of containers are then automatically placed in a box not shown by means well known in the art.

It is believed that my invention has been described in sufficient detail so as to enable the skilled artisan to understand and practice the same. Variations in the size and materials of the apparatus, as well as the number of lateral containers, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

I. An apparatus for collating containers having a perimetal rim suitable for holding a quantity of product, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

vertical overlapping means coupled to said frame;

lateral overlapping means coupled to said frame and positioned to receive containers from the vertical overlapping means; and

means for receiving a plurality of laterally disposed containers coupled to the frame;

wherein said vertical overlapping means receive the laterally disposed containers from said receiving means.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical overlapping means comprises:

a bottom panel having an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section and lower section are angularly disposed to each other about a common axis and said angular disposition being such to enable a container to traverse the upper section by means of gravity.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding containeras the container traverses from the upper section to the lower section.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers comprises:

an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said apparatus further comprises:

a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned relative to one another to enable the container to pass therebetween, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said apparatus further comprises:

a microswitch assembly positioned adjacent the index stop and coupled to said frame, the container engaging the microswitch as it traverses to said index stop; said microswitch assembly enabling the index stop to move from the first position to the second position and back to the first position.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said apparatus further comprises:

pushing means positioned opposite the index stop and coupled to said frame and between said guide rails.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said lateral overlapping means comprises:

a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the pushing means.

9. An apparatus for collating containers having a perimetal rim suitable for holding a quantity of product, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a bottom panel having an upper section and a lower section, said bottom panel being coupled to the frame and said upper section and lower section being angularly disposed to one another, the containers traversing from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel;

lateral overlapping means coupled to the frame; and

vertical overlapping means coupled to the frame, wherein the lateral overlapping means receive a plurality of laterally disposed containers from the vertical overlapping means.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section of the bottom panel being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding container as the container traverses from the upper section to the lower section.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said apparatus further includes:

lateral overlapping means comprises:

an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame for each laterally disposed container, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprises:

a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned relative to one another to enable the container to pass therebetween, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, there being a pair of guide bars for each laterally disposed container.

14. An apparatus as for collating containers having a perimetal rim, said apparatus comprising:

a frame;

a bottom panel coupled to the frame having an upper section and a lower section, the upper section and lower section being angularly disposed to one another;

means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers, said means being coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel;

a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned to enable a container to pass therebetween, said receiving means being positioned between each of 35 the pair of guide rails, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container;

means for collating the containers as they traverse the bottom panel; and I pushing means for transmitting the laterally disposed containers along the lower section of the bottom panel, said pushing means receiving the containers from said guide rails;

wherein the laterally disposed containers are vertically collated as the containers traverse from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel and are laterally collated as the pushing means transmits the laterally disposed containers along the lower section of the bottom panel.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said collating means comprises;

vertical overlapping means coupled to the frame; and

lateral overlapping means coupled to the frame.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section of the bottom panel being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding container as the container traverses from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said lateral overlapping means comprises:

a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the guide rails coupled to the u er sec ion of the bottom anel, there b in a p ii" of guide bars for each lat erally disposes cc intamer.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers, comprises:

an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis enabling a plurality of laterally disposed containers to be received when said stop is in its first position and releasing all of the laterally held containers simultaneously when the index stops are transferred to the second position upon actuation of means for alternating said index stop between the first and second position. 

1. An apparatus for collating containers having a perimetal rim suitable for holding a quantity of product, said apparatus comprising: a frame; vertical overlapping means coupled to said frame; lateral overlapping means coupled to said frame and positioned to receive containers from the vertical overlapping means; and means for receiving a plurality of laterally disposed containers coupled to the frame; wherein said vertical overlapping means receive the laterally disposed containers from said receiving means.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said vertical overlapping means comprises: a bottom panel having an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section and lower section are angularly disposed to each other about a common axis and said angular disposition being such to enable a container to traverse the upper section by means of gravity.
 3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding container as the container traverses from the upper section to the lower section.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers comprises: an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis.
 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said apparatus further comprises: a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned relative to one another to enable the container to pass therebetween, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said apparatus further comprises: a microswitch assembly positioned adjacent the index stop and coupled to said frame, the container engaging the microswitch as it traverses to said index stop; said microswitch assembly enabling the index stop to move from the first position to the second position and back to the first position.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said apparatus further comprises: pushing means positioned opposite the index stop and coupled to said frame and between said guide rails.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said lateral overlapping means comprises: a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the pushing means.
 9. An apparatus for collating containers having a perimetal rim suitable for holding a quantity of product, said apparatus comprising: a frame; a bottom panel having an upper section and a lower section, said bottom panel being coupled to the frame and said upper section and lower section being angularly disposed to one another, the containers traversing from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel; lateral overlapping means coupled to the frame; and vertical overlapping means coupled to the frame, wherein the lateral overlapping means receive a plurality of laterally disposed containers from the vertical overlapping means.
 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section of the bottom panel being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding container as the conTainer traverses from the upper section to the lower section.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said apparatus further includes: an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame for each laterally disposed container, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said apparatus further comprises: a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned relative to one another to enable the container to pass therebetween, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container.
 13. An apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said lateral overlapping means comprises: a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, there being a pair of guide bars for each laterally disposed container.
 14. An apparatus as for collating containers having a perimetal rim, said apparatus comprising: a frame; a bottom panel coupled to the frame having an upper section and a lower section, the upper section and lower section being angularly disposed to one another; means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers, said means being coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel; a pair of guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, said guide rails being positioned to enable a container to pass therebetween, said receiving means being positioned between each of the pair of guide rails, there being a pair of guide rails for each laterally disposed container; means for collating the containers as they traverse the bottom panel; and pushing means for transmitting the laterally disposed containers along the lower section of the bottom panel, said pushing means receiving the containers from said guide rails; wherein the laterally disposed containers are vertically collated as the containers traverse from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel and are laterally collated as the pushing means transmits the laterally disposed containers along the lower section of the bottom panel.
 15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said collating means comprises; vertical overlapping means coupled to the frame; and lateral overlapping means coupled to the frame.
 16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said vertical overlapping means includes the upper section of the bottom panel being positioned above the lower section; the leading rim of the containers being positioned over the back rim of the preceding container as the container traverses from the upper section to the lower section of the bottom panel.
 17. An apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said lateral overlapping means comprises: a pair of guide bars coupled to the lower section of the bottom panel and being so disposed to receive a container from the guide rails coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel, there being a pair of guide bars for each laterally disposed container.
 18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17 wherein said means for receiving each of a plurality of laterally disposed containers, comprises: an index stop coupled to the upper section of the bottom panel of the frame, said index stop having a first and second position, wherein said index stop has means for alternating between said first and second position about a fixed axis enabling a plurality of laterally disposed containers to be received when said stop is in its first position and releasing all of the laterally held containers simultaneously when the index stops are transferred to the second position upon actuation of means for alternating said index stop between the first and second position. 